A PIONEERING project involving Coventry University Enterprises could be used to ease traffic congestion.

The project, sponsored by BT and developed in conjunction with Birmingham University, could also lead to the latest wireless technology being used to boost tourism.

It uses Birmingham's new BT Wireless City network to try out new online tracking and monitoring devices.

University researchers have built and installed the wireless devices in a range of ecofriendly transport, such as hydrogen fuel cell cars and a hydrogen hybrid canal boat, to demonstrate their potential.

A mini touchscreen in the vehicle allows a driver or passenger to receive or send live information on location, deal with e-mails, use webcams and make hands-free calls over the internet via the wireless network.

The project could be the fore-runner of a fully-integrated, intelligent transport programme for Birmingham city centre.

The technology could also be used to monitor the whereabouts of buses, trains and taxis and enable local authorities to update motorists on roadworks, any traffic delays or road closures in real time.

It could direct visitors to car parks - or other venues or destinations - where spaces are available and provide them with live, up-to-date "what's on" information as they pass a specific venue in their car or tourist canal boat.

It is believed to be the first time remote interactive tracking and monitoring services have been developed specifically for deployment over a wi-fi wireless network. Tim Luft, project manager, Coventry University Enterprises, said: "Following the successful development and deployment of these exciting new applications over the wireless city network by our consortium, the next step would be for us to pilot the technology among 1,000 people who use public transport and privately-owned vehicles.

"If this proves successful, we hope the technology could form the basis of a fully integrated Intelligent Transport Programme in cities around the UK."

John Dovey, BT's West Midlands regional director, said: "This is precisely the kind of innovation we hoped the launch of the BT Wireless City network in Birmingham would inspire.

"These applications demonstrate the wide-ranging appeal and versatility of the network.

"The BT Wireless City network is already proving popular with people wanting to log on to the internet and check e-mails whilst they are out and about.

"The exciting innovations unveiled today show what else is possible and how the concept has captured the imagination of a range of organisations, just as we hoped."